AN ALBUM REVIEW: CCNY Students Reflect On Bad Bunny’s New Album
Written by Kiana Soriano & Dylan Tolbert
Image: Rimas Entertainment
Bad Bunny, renowned for his trap and reggaeton hits, now aims to tug on our collective heartstrings with his latest album. Tapping into his Puerto Rican heritage for inspiration, the album is infused with rich, traditional island rhythms to honor his roots. DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS was released on January 5th, a day before Three Kings Day, a holiday widely celebrated across Latin America. While the music primarily targets a Puerto Rican audience, aiming to evoke a profound nostalgia and yearning for home, Bad Bunny’s melancholic album utilizes themes that resonate with a variety of diasporic communities.
“This album made me aware of how Mexico faces the same issues,” said the Mexico-born Ash Rosendo, a junior communications major. “I think these are issues that need to be talked about even if we don’t currently live there.”
The album, which blends political commentary and distinctly Puerto Rican melodies, marks another milestone in the artist’s career as he becomes the first Latin artist to have 100 songs chart on the Billboard Hot 100. Natalie Moreno, a Puerto Rican-Dominican from the Bronx, expressed her thoughts on Bad Bunny using traditional cultural influences in this album.
“I so badly wish that he would tap deeper into his salsero sound,” she stated. “Feels true to the deep roots.” In regards to the political messaging, Moreno voiced her admiration towards Bad Bunny’s commitment to using his platform to bring Puerto Rican issues into the mainstream and highlight up-and-coming artists. “It goes to show that his music and fame isn’t something that he takes lightly,” concluded Moreno. “It’s about more than just him, it’s about uplifting and inspiring Puerto Ricans.”
“I never thought I’d listen to Bad Bunny. This album changed my opinion—it was beautiful,” said Yoselyn Gonzalez, a junior art education major.
“The song DtMF, it’s beat, reminds me a lot of my culture. The song makes me feel like I shouldn’t take my family for granted.” Eduardo Tiburcio, a Dominican-born New Yorker, expressed.
